Capital Region News

7:32 am

Wed August 6, 2014

Major General, Albany Native And RPI Grad, Killed In Afganistan

The Department of Defense confirmed the death of Major General Harold Greene, killed yesterday in Kabul after an apparent member of the Afghan security forces turned on him. Major General Green was born in Albany and is a graduate of RPI. He was commissioned in 1980 after graduation. He served as an Army engineer and rose to the rank of two-star general. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death will be undertaken. His remains will be sent back to the United States, although the timing of that flight is still undetermined.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, August 7, 2014, in honor of U.S. Army Major General Harold J. Greene.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Major General Harold J. Greene,” Governor Cuomo said. “Major General Greene was an Albany native who earned his commission as an engineer officer shortly after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and he dedicated more than 30 years of his life in service to his country. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Major General Greene. We will never forget his sacrifice, and we will honor his service with pride.”